Don’t deny it — some songs bring out your inner karaoke spirit when they come on in the car, forcing you to do nothing but sing along and headbang. Forget about the stares from vehicles in the lane next to you, you’ve got the joy and are feeling the music; if they could only be so lucky! You already have your list of personal favorites, but what are some universally beloved songs that you must sing to in the car?
Don’t trust anybody who claims to dislike this song. The boys of the English band play their hearts and pipes out in the six-minute-long saga of a capella, mournful piano, screeching guitars, and kick-butt drum solos. It has graced the speakers of some of the most popular cars in America as well as the ones that are falling apart and full of long-haired metalheads. This is one that forces you to play air guitar, drums, and reach pitches your vocal cords physically can’t handle…and it’s pure fun the whole time.
There’s no denying that this catchy tune by the LA-based rock band is a fun one to jam to. From the extra-long guitar solo welcoming you into the lyrics to the foot-tapping drums, this 70’s classic is not easily ignored when it comes on while driving. Another interesting aspect is its hotly debated subject matter: Is it about dying and going to hell, a man’s struggle with drugs, or something else entirely? You be the judge.
Who says that girls can’t rock as hard as boys? Heart, a women-formed rock band formed in 1970’s Seattle, has produced its fair share of hits, but “What About Love?” easily remains one of the most iconic. Big hair, heavy makeup, and ripped fishnet stocking come to mind as you belt out this 1985 classic.
Often mistaken for the iconic Diana Ross, “I Will Survive” is the ultimate disco classic that everyone loves to scream with the car windows down. Full of steady beats, a heavy dose of sass and the ultimate “in your face” mentality, how can you help but sing along?
The Hawaiian-born pretty boy has no shortage of fun, easy-to-sing-to songs, but “Uptown Funk” falls into a special category of its own. Mars takes brass, pop, and sing-rapping to a whole new level by offering this fun and funky song that gets you dancing in your seat, using the steering wheel as drums.
Really, did you think you could escape this list without an answer like this? Disney makes its money off of creating catchy, singable songs to get stuck in your head — and even though you might deny it, you know every word to most of them. Roll down the windows and embrace your inner child as you belt the lyrics to “Hakuna Matata” — who cares what other people think? They’re probably singing along too.
It’s easy to imagine the life of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll when you listen to the New York-based rap group belt out this ode to the life of being on tour. Offering easy lyrics, goofy visuals, and so much yelling, pump up the volume and go for it.
Say what you will about this 90s classic, but you can’t deny that it gets stuck in your head for its super-simple and nonsense lyrics (“I wanna really really really wanna zig-a-zag, ahh!”). It’s not Shakespeare, but come on, it’s fun!
No matter how you feel about certain artists as people, the music that they produce serves its purpose. Create your own “sing in the car” playlist and customize what you want to sing while driving — but don’t forget about these eight tried-and-true classics.